The vice-principalship : preparation for leadership
Date
2000
Authors
Hawkins, Robert W.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2000
Abstract
The main focus of this study was a survey of elementary, junior high and high school
principals from the Calgary Board of Education, to gather their perceptions about their
experiences as assistant principals and the value of those experiences as training for a
principalship.
A questionnaire was developed for principals, based primarily on the literature review and
field-tested with a small group of principals.
Some of the principals in the research sample were fairly new to the position, while others
had held a principal's position for up to twenty-five years. Most of the participants had
completed a Master's Degree or a Doctorate Degree. Ten information-gathering questions
directed the data collection process.
The findings of the survey revealed that all principals suggested that the assistant principal
position provided necessary discipline and training which could be transferred to the
principalship. All participants indicated a definite role change has been occurring in recent
years. As society's expectations of the school system increase, more responsibilities are
placed on all administrative positions. Accordingly, there is a greater overlap of duties in
administrative positions. In effect, the principals felt the assistant principal position was
becoming more important. Assistant principals are becoming more involved with the day
to day running of the school and other leadership and managerial tasks. This finding
revealed that the respondents did not agree with most of the literature, which indicated that
the assistant principalship was usually not seen as a preparatory position for the role of
principal.
The responses from principals suggested that the wider the range of experiences an
assistant principal can obtain, the greater the benefit to their development as a principal.
They suggested that assistant principals, aspiring to be come principals, should ensure that
they find a mentor to work with them and guide them through the development of their
leadership skills. Even though the literature suggests that training programs for assistant
principals have a tendency to develop "like thinkers," all of the respondents indicated that
they favoured an extensive training program for assistant principals.
Description
vi, 37 leaves ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Elementary school principals -- Alberta -- Calgary , Junior high school principals -- Alberta -- Calgary , High school principals -- Alberta -- Calgary , School principals -- Alberta -- Calgary